How is sas different from parallel scsi, Llel scsi, see, How is sas different from parallel – Adaptec 48300 User Manual

Page 88

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Introduction to SAS

88

How is SAS Different from Parallel SCSI?

In summary, although SAS and parallel SCSI both use the SCSI
command set, how they move data from one place to another is very
different. To support point-to-point serial data transport, SAS
introduces new types of connectors, cables, connection options, and
terminology.

Generally speaking, SAS is faster and more flexible than parallel SCSI,
and provides more options for building your storage space. SAS lets you
mix SAS and SATA disk drives together, and lets you connect many,
many more devices.

The table below describes many of the main differences between the
two interfaces.

Parallel SCSI

Serial Attached SCSI

Parallel interface

Serial interface

Maximum speed 320 MB/sec
shared by all devices on the bus

Maximum speed 600 MB/sec per phy
when in full-duplex mode

Supports SCSI devices only

Supports SATA and SAS disk drives
simultaneously

Up to 16 devices per SCSI channel

More than 128 disk drives per SAS card,
using an expander (see

page 87

)

Supports single-port devices only

Supports single- and dual-port devices

Uses SCSI IDs to differentiate
between devices connected to the
same adapter

Uses unique SAS addresses to
differentiate between devices

User intervention required to set
SCSI IDs

SAS addresses self-configured by SAS
devices

Requires bus termination

Requires no bus termination

Standard SCSI connectors

SAS connectors (see

page 85

)

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